Even now as I sit at my keyboard, struggling to put my thoughts into words, I yearn for the Easy Button made famous by Staples ads. I am looking for a formula, a blueprint, or the ubiquitous “five easy steps to success.” I would prefer to be transported to my desired destination with minimal effort or struggle. However, every book on writing that I’ve read says the same thing about how to reach my goal:

Put your fanny in the chair and your fingers on the keyboard. Do the work.

If we want to be writers, we have to write. If we want to be dancers, we have to dance. If we want to be painters, singers, accountants or business owners, we must show up and do the work. If we want a stronger mind, body, and spirit, we must repeatedly choose the actions that nurture the growth we desire.

King David knew something about partnering with God. As he neared the end of his life, along with detailed plans for the temple Solomon was to build, he gave this advice to his son about the assignment God had given him:

“David also said to Solomon his son, ‘Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished’” (1 Chron. 28:20 NIV).

David knew God would be with Solomon every step of the way. He knew God would give Solomon everything he needed to complete the gargantuan task before him. Yet David also knew Solomon would need to be brave and DO THE WORK.

Our spiritual journeys are no different. When we allow God to work in our lives, he promises to make us more like Jesus and give us the fruits of his spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. However, we have to participate in that process by showing up and doing the work.

And what does our work look like?

For me, the work I need to do to participate with God in my own growth includes prayer, reading Scripture, practicing repentance and gratitude, worship, time with other believers, and serving people in need. Although these things we call spiritual disciplines do not by themselves produce life-altering changes in me, they put me in the optimum position for God to work his miracles. We are a team.

The gospel says we are redeemed and transformed, not by our own efforts, but by God’s willingness to pour out his lavish love and unmerited grace on us. He is crazy about us and wants to guide us toward becoming our best selves. While I am comforted by the notion of God working in me for my good and for use in his kingdom, I’m sometimes frustrated by his unwillingness to just wave a magic wand over me. Yet my good God is more concerned about my character than my comfort, and he knows hard work is good for me in all areas of my life.

Like this:

“Grace always shocks. Grace always stuns. Grace is always what we need. It’s what everyone groping around lost in the dark has to know: turn toward grace and you turn on all the lights.” ~Ann Voskamp

She was waiting for me when I returned to my car. I could see right away she was furious.

“You are SO inconsiderate! You parked right in front of my mailbox! How dare you!“

My heart was pounding as I took a deep breath and considered my options. Perhaps a sarcastic comment about the wisdom of buying a house right across the street from a school? Or maybe I could just give her a dirty look, get in my car, and quickly drive away? How dare she lie in wait for me, then stand in the street screaming and shaking her finger at me?

However, since I had spent time in prayer earlier that morning, the Holy Spirit had followed me there and was whispering something else entirely.

She is hurting. Show her love. Show her grace.

A little disappointed to be robbed of my opportunity for a witty comeback or a dramatic stand, I decided to take the high road. I looked her in the eye and listened quietly until she ran out of words.

“I’m so sorry,” I said. “You are right. I shouldn’t have parked there. This must be so frustrating for you. I’m really very sorry.”

She paused and then, not knowing how to deal with my response, she turned on her heel and stomped back into her house.

As I got back in my car, I was still shaking with emotion. The intensity of her anger made me feel vulnerable, and I was still struggling with the desire to lash out at her in return. In the past, I would have felt justified in returning fire for fire, unloading on her in retaliation. On this occasion, proximity to the Spirit led me to choose differently.

I wish I could say I always choose grace.

Several years later, I had the opportunity to learn more about the woman I met that day when she signed up for a Bible study…